Cricket is a sport known for its moments of intense speed and skill, with bowlers frequently sending down deliveries at astonishing velocities. However, amidst the flurry of fast-paced action, there have been instances where bowlers have opted for a different approach, sending down some of the slowest deliveries ever witnessed in the game. In this article, we will delve into the top 5 slowest balls bowled in cricket history up to 2023, highlighting the fascinating art of deception and variation in this beautiful game.

1. Michael Yardy - 48 km/h

Kicking off our list is former English all-rounder Michael Yardy, who bowled a delivery at a snail-like pace of 48 kilometers per hour (30 mph) during a T20 match in 2010. Yardy's unique ability to vary his pace caught the batsman off guard, leading to a moment of sheer disbelief as the ball lazily floated towards the batsman, who ended up misjudging it completely.

2. James Franklin - 47 km/h

New Zealand's James Franklin takes the second spot with a delivery that left everyone in splits. During a T20 match against England in 2012, Franklin bowled a delivery that clocked in at 47 kilometers per hour (29 mph). The batsman was left baffled as he tried to adjust his timing, only to be deceived by the ball's sluggish pace.

3. Stuart MacGill - 46.7 km/h

Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, known for his incredible spin and guile, decided to showcase his versatility by delivering a ball at an astonishingly slow speed of 46.7 kilometers per hour (29 mph) in a Test match against Pakistan in 2002. The surprise factor, in this case, was the stark contrast to his usual fiery leg-spin, leading to a wicket that was a testament to the power of variation.

4. Shoaib Malik - 46 km/h

In a 2016 T20 match between Pakistan and England, all-rounder Shoaib Malik sent down a ball at a leisurely pace of 46 kilometers per hour (28.5 mph). The batsman was completely foxed by the pace and ended up playing a shot too early, resulting in a simple catch for the fielder. Malik's well-disguised slower delivery was a masterclass in deception.

5. Shaun Tait - 45 km/h

The final spot on our list goes to Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait. Renowned for his express pace, Tait turned the tables by bowling a delivery at a mere 45 kilometers per hour (28 mph) during a T20 match in 2010. The batsman was left bewildered, as the ball seemed to float in slow motion, prompting an easy catch for the wicketkeeper.

Conclusion

Cricket, often celebrated for its speed and athleticism, also pays homage to the art of subtlety and deception. The slowest deliveries in cricket history, as highlighted in this article, serve as a reminder that it's not always about raw power and speed. Bowlers who can master the art of variation, surprising their opponents with well-disguised slower balls, can often be just as lethal as the fastest pacers in the game. These instances of unconventional deliveries are a testament to the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where innovation and creativity continue to play a vital role in keeping the sport intriguing and unpredictable.